Advocates for Children - Columbus, IN

Advocates for Children ensures that every abused and neglected child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, permanent, and loving home, as quickly as possible. The nonprofit agency provides volunteer (CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate) and staff (Staff GAL – Guardian ad Litem) advocates for children involved in court proceedings in Bartholomew, Decatur, and Jennings counties. Nearly all children served have been abused or neglected by their parent or caregiver, and are involved in a CHINS (Child In Need of Services) dependency proceeding. In 2018, our advocates served 959 children, 79% of whom were age 12 years or younger.

The work of Advocates for Children is supported through a combination of private sector (47%) and public sector (53%) sources. Public sector sources include a VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, grants from the Indiana Office of GAL/CASA, and support from three county courts. Private sector sources include United Ways/Funds, several family and corporate foundations, individual donors, and fundraising events.